As a human services organization, the Duluth Bethel has taken significant steps to continue serving individuals affected by substance abuse or those involved in the criminal justice system while working proactively to reduce the spread of coronavirus and COVID-19. We are committed to public health and safety and are doing what we can to maintain current levels of service. As information and changes are occurring quickly, we are not letting up in our daily efforts. Due to the rapidness of changes, please understand the information below is also subject to change as what we learn changes. We will do our best to keep any current changes posted on our website at www.duluthbethel.org
Actions being taken include:
The Bethel management team has dedicated itself to collaborate and lead our monitoring, planning, decision-making and communications. This includes information from and work with: the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Minnesota Department of Health, the Minnesota Department of Human Services, the Minnesota Department of Corrections, St. Louis County Public Health and Human Services, our licensing agencies, the recovery community, local government and, of course, medical and mental health support.
Since the H1N1 virus in 2009, the Bethel has had in place a pandemic response policy. The team has reviewed and updated those policies and procedures to adapt to COVID-19. Interim Heath Care is also a contracting partner with the Bethel and is actively involved in our responses and strategies. These include but are not limited to implementing site-specific pandemic response plans, which include our substance abuse and corrections services, drug testing and all support activities. The Bethel has for quite some time had plans and conducted drills for emergency procedures up to and including evacuation, if needed. We currently have an ample quantity of supplies.
The Bethel has a vigorous plan to help aggressively pursue infection prevention and control, sanitation and hygiene and to respond quickly. Our supplies include: sanitizing supplies, food, bottled water, bio-hazard equipment, vinyl mattresses, laundered linen, separation rooms, gowns, eye protection, N-95 respirator masks, standard masks, staff trained in universal precautions as well as communicable and airborne diseases and on-hand over-the-counter medications. For mitigation, we have suspended: outpatient substance abuse services at the Bethel location on Mesaba Avenue and at the Arrowhead Juvenile Center, visitation, non-essential business travel, on-site public events including recovery support groups and numerous other actions to reduce exposure risk.
Along with state and local public health authorities, we are actively monitoring information and implementing recommendations from the CDC as well as the World Health Organization. What are the implications for people with substance use disorders and COVID-19? Many of these issues are addressed here.
We will continue to monitor and respond to this pandemic as it evolves. We will continue to take actions to protect our clients, staff and the facility. At the same time, we remain committed to welcoming new admissions based on our capacity and ability while providing high-quality treatment and corrections services to those entrusted to us.
With great hope and please be well,
Dennis Cummings | Executive Director | Duluth Bethel